EU To Host Fresh Serbia, Kosovo Meeting

November 05, 2012 20:22 GMT

A local newspaper in Pristina shows Kosovar Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, and Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic (left to right) the day after their first meeting on October 19.

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EU To Host Fresh Serbia, Kosovo Meeting

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The European Union's foreign affairs head Catherine Ashton has invited the prime ministers of Serbia and Kosovo for fresh talks.

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and his Kosovar counterpart, Hashim Thaci, reportedly will meet in Brussels on November 7 to continue talks aimed at normalizing ties.

The two had met in Ashton's office in October for first-ever talks between the two sides at the top level.

Serbia rejects Kosovo's 2008 proclamation of independence, which is recognized by 22 of the EU's 27 members and 92 countries worldwide, including the United States.

Russia supports Serbia in its resistance to Kosovar sovereignty.

Belgrade and Pristina have held seven rounds of EU-brokered talks.

In February, talks broke off ahead of elections in Serbia.

The two countries have reached agreements on several issues, including free movement across the border.

The European Union has said progress in the talks is a crucial condition for Serbia’s bid to join the bloc.